Textbook Question
If a radiation source has an intensity of 650 rem at 1.0 m, what distance is needed to decrease the intensity of exposure to below 25 rem, the level at which no effects are detectable?
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Ch.11 Nuclear Chemistry
McMurry8th EditionFundamentals of GOBISBN: 9780134015187
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Table of contents
- Ch.1 Matter and Measurements27
- Ch.2 Atoms and the Periodic Table20
- Ch.3 Ionic Compounds8
- Ch.4 Molecular Compounds23
- Ch.5 Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions12
- Ch.6 Chemical Reactions: Mole and Mass Relationships28
- Ch.7 Chemical Reactions: Energy, Rate and Equilibrium64
- Ch.8 Gases, Liquids and Solids24
- Ch.9 Solutions52
- Ch.10 Acids and Bases25
- Ch.11 Nuclear Chemistry22
- Ch.12 Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Alkanes57
- Ch.13 Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds47
- Ch.14 Some Compounds with Oxygen, Sulfur, or a Halogen50
- Ch.15 Aldehydes and Ketones45
- Ch.16 Amines42
- Ch.17 Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives57
- Ch.18 Amino Acids and Proteins82
- Ch.19 Enzymes and Vitamins63
- Ch.20 Carbohydrates44
- Ch.21 The Generation of Biochemical Energy65
- Ch.22 Carbohydrate Metabolism45
- Ch.23 Lipids42
- Ch.24 Lipid Metabolism33
- Ch.25 Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism24
- Ch.26 Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis45
Chapter 11, Problem 73
Why is a scintillation counter or Geiger counter more useful for determining the existence and source of a new radiation leak than a film badge?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the purpose of each device: A scintillation counter and a Geiger counter are active radiation detection devices that provide real-time measurements of radiation levels, while a film badge is a passive device that records cumulative radiation exposure over time.
Recognize the need for real-time detection: In the case of a new radiation leak, it is crucial to detect radiation immediately to identify its presence and source. Active devices like scintillation counters and Geiger counters are designed for this purpose.
Explain the limitations of a film badge: A film badge does not provide immediate feedback. It requires processing and analysis after exposure, making it unsuitable for detecting a new radiation leak in real-time.
Highlight the sensitivity of active detectors: Scintillation counters and Geiger counters are highly sensitive to radiation and can detect even small changes in radiation levels, which is essential for pinpointing the source of a leak.
Conclude with the practicality of active devices: The portability, real-time feedback, and sensitivity of scintillation counters and Geiger counters make them more effective tools for identifying and addressing new radiation leaks compared to film badges.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Scintillation Counter
A scintillation counter is a device that detects and measures ionizing radiation by using a scintillator material that emits light when radiation interacts with it. This light is then converted into an electrical signal, allowing for real-time monitoring and quantification of radiation levels. Its sensitivity and ability to identify different types of radiation make it particularly useful for detecting radiation leaks.
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Geiger Counter
A Geiger counter is an instrument that measures ionizing radiation through the ionization of gas within a Geiger-Müller tube. It provides immediate feedback on radiation levels and can detect alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Its portability and ease of use make it an effective tool for quickly assessing radiation hazards in the environment, especially in emergency situations.
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Film Badge
A film badge is a personal dosimeter that uses photographic film to measure accumulated radiation exposure over time. While it is useful for monitoring long-term exposure in workers, it lacks the immediate feedback and sensitivity of electronic detectors like scintillation counters and Geiger counters. Consequently, film badges are less effective for quickly identifying and assessing radiation leaks.
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Film badge dosimeters typically include filters to target specific types of radiation. A film badge is constructed that includes a region containing a tin foil filter, a region containing a plastic film filter, and a region with no filter. Which region monitors exposure to α-radiation? Which monitors exposure to β-radiation? Which monitors γ-radiation? Explain.
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Textbook Question
Harmful chemical spills can often be cleaned up by treatment with another chemical. For example, a spill of H2SO4 might be neutralized by addition of NaHCO3. Why is it that the harmful radioactive wastes from nuclear power plants cannot be cleaned up as easily?
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Textbook Question
Thorium-232 decays by a 10-step series, ultimately yielding lead-208. How many α particles and how many β particles are emitted?
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Textbook Question
Californium-246 is formed by bombardment of uranium-238 atoms. If four neutrons are formed as by-products, what particle is used for the bombardment?
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